CHARD Colts lost to Bridgwater Colts by just two points for the second time in three weeks when they were beaten 12-10 at home in the Somerset Under-18 league on Saturday.

Chard applied constant early pressure and kept the ball in Bridgwater’s 22 until the away team finally cracked.

The quick tap-penalty allowed Chard to keep up the intensity and catch the away team off guard.

With a good call from No10 George Whitlock, scrum half Edward Sullivan supplied clean ball from a quick ruck which that left Chard with a three on one overlap.

The rest was easy for outside centre Jacob Whitefield who went over in the corner with 15 minutes on the clock.

Whitlock made a fine conversion attempt but his kick just went wide of the posts.

Bridgwater’s restart was the first time they crossed the half-way line in the first half.

However, Chard’s forward dominance in the scrum and around the park soon saw them back on the attack.

Bridgwater countered by putting boot to ball from all the turnovers and loose play.

This meant Chard’s full-back, George Read, was under constant pressure throughout the match, which he dealt with well with some well places clearances.

This, however, just put the possession back into Bridgwater hands, and with Chard’s penalty count beginning to increase, the away side were able to mount a series of strong attacks.

Soon, Chards poor discipline gave Bridgwater two successive penalties, and in a repeat from their previous meeting, Bridgwater’s inside centre made the most of indecision in the home defence.

The try remained unconverted, leaving the score at 5-5.

Chards usual strong mauling game was well contained by the away side and they even showed their own strength, pushing the home team’s forwards back on a few occasions.

Near the end of the first half this proved expensive when a driving maul was collapsed by the retreating Chard, which gave the referee no option but to award the penalty try.

With the conversion positioned in front of the posts, an easy two points were added to the Bridgwater tally.

Trailing 12-5 at the break, Chard were keen to redeem themselves in the second half.

Sturdy tackles and impressive forward play, allowed Chard to reinvigorate their momentum from the beginning of the match.

However, the ball always seemed to find its way into the visitors’ hands at the wrong moments, allowing them to clear their line and relieve the pressure.

Chard’s forwards gave the home side good territory and the ball made its way to inside centre Jack Oaten. After opening up the space for him, Oaten off-loaded the ball to waiting winger Calum Syrett, who went over to score his first try for the club.

An unsuccessful conversion meant Chard still trailed by two.

Even though there were suggestions Chard may come back into it, it was not to be.

This weekend Chard play at Wellington.

Chard: forwards – Ben Mainwaring, Liam Mustchin, Joel Nicholls, Connor Caddick, Jack Larcombe, Bradley Clapp, Henry Elliot, Mathew Dunn and Warren Lewis. Backs – Ed Sullivan, George Whitlock, Ryan Wingate, Jack Oaten, Jacob Whitefield, George Read, Murray Squire, Rhys Carnell, Jake Knight and Calum Syret.